Clearing the Air: Soaring Beyond Sycophancy in Union Leadership
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the danger of operating in a vacuum is more pressing than ever. It's not just an occupational hazard—it's a threat to the very fabric of effective leadership. As your Regional Vice President, I am committed to breaking down the barriers that stifle open communication and embracing a culture where every voice is heard and valued. This is a call to action: we must actively seek out diverse perspectives and create an environment where feedback, even when critical, is welcomed and acted upon.
Dismissing members’ feedback is not an option; it's a path to stagnation. True cohesion, innovation, and growth arise from the courage to listen and the willingness to adapt. In every venture I've undertaken, I've championed open communication and embraced critical feedback as the cornerstone of collective success. We cannot afford to be surrounded by sycophants who echo our thoughts and reinforce our biases. This echo chamber blinds us to the realities on the ground and prevents us from making informed decisions.
We must be vigilant and proactive. Leaders who rely solely on a core circle of sycophants are not just isolated—they're dangerously disconnected. They miss out on the invaluable insights of those who are often unheard. I pledge to seek out and amplify these voices, ensuring that our leadership is grounded in reality and responsive to the needs of all members. This is not just a vision; it is a necessity. Our strength lies in our diversity; through this diversity, we find our greatest potential.
I am deeply humbled by the endorsements I've received from incredible individuals across our organization. These endorsements are a testament to our shared vision for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership. As Sister Martha Parish eloquently said, “Sister Mary is willing to speak truth to power and be held accountable for her work representing all BUEs as Region IV Vice President. She listens actively and wants to learn all sides of an issue before getting ideas from whatever team she is working within and capitalizing on those ideas for a strategy going forward.”
Her words resonate deeply with me, encapsulating the essence of the leadership I strive to embody. I am committed to understanding all sides, learning from our collective experiences, and crafting strategies that reflect our shared values. This is a critical time for our organization, and we must have leaders who are not afraid to challenge the status quo, stand up against anti-union tactics, and fight for the rights of every member.
To all the members who have endorsed me, your support is invaluable. Together, we are building a future where every member feels supported, where leadership is inclusive, and where no one feels left behind. Let's move forward with urgency and purpose, recognizing that the time for change is now. We must be ready to face the challenges ahead and create lasting, positive change. The time is now, and we must seize this moment with all our strength and determination. Our collective success depends on it.
I want to extend my thanks to the following members for their kindness and selflessness in their endorsements of me:
Andy Branigan, Ronni Benedetto, Todd Boren, Darryl Brassell, Steve D’Urso, Art De Villar, Michael Edreich, Geneva Laing, Richard Norat, Nick Orphan, Julie Orrick, Martha Parish, David Spero, Tim Sisk, David Tewksbury, and Cheryl Villa.
In Solidarity,
Mary
